Focus On The Most Important Part Of Your Wedding

Focusing on the most important aspects of your wedding can be incredibly helpful for staying within your budget. By prioritizing what truly matters to you—whether it’s the venue, the food, or the guest experience—you can allocate your resources more effectively and ensure a meaningful, memorable celebration without overspending.

At our wedding reception at Casino Español de Cebu

In our case, we prioritized making sure our chosen guests felt comfortable, that the event was fun and memorable, that the solemnity of the ceremony was maintained, and that everything aligned with our personalities as a couple.

1. Church: The Archdiocesan Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

We went the extra mile to ensure the church was air-conditioned. For us as a couple, this was the most important part of the wedding since it’s where the ceremony took place.

Wedding essentials and some of the bride’s personal items

2. Shuttle Service

Even though our reception was nearby, we provided shuttles to make transportation easier and more convenient for our guests.

3. Reception: Casino Español de Cebu

We chose an excellent reception venue that wasn’t just close to the church but also had top-notch food. As a bonus, it provided an amazing holding area for our wedding team.

The groom’s curated collection

4. Hotel: Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino

We stayed in a wonderful hotel, booking a bridal suite for me and an additional space for dressing up.

5. Coffee Booth: Happy Barista by Kidz Joyce Darza

We hired our favorite coffee shop to bring in a coffee booth, so our guests could experience our favorite coffee.

6. Band: Momentum Cebu (full band)

Good entertainment was a priority, so we hired the best band in Cebu, and I highly recommend a full band setup.

Custom-designed table settings

7. Photography & Videography: (Video) Sir Mark of Cinematix Stills & Motion, (Photography) Sir Jim Ubalde

We were fortunate to have a veteran photographer and videographer on our team, thanks to our amazing coordinator (Wedding Prelude Event Planning & Coordination). With so many photographers and videographers available, it’s important to choose those who can deliver a story, capturing not only images and footage but also the moments from a “director’s point of view.”

8. Cake

We chose a cake that reflected our personalities as avid travelers, since our love for exploring the world is such a big part of who we are.

9. Host: Sir Jingle Saynes

There are many hosts in town. However, finding one who can deliver exceptionally well is different. Selecting a host who reflects your personality as a couple can also create an unforgettable wedding program.

10. Decorations

Decoration was lower on our list of priorities. While I love flowers, we decided it was more practical to focus on things our guests would truly enjoy, like food, a comfortable venue, and reliable transportation. Instead of spending a lot on decorations, we opted to provide treats like Johnnie Walker drinks, Starbucks gift cards for games, and more. Do we regret it? Not at all!

On a side note, I’d like to commend our decor supplier for doing an exceptional job—he (sir Lorr Aljas) truly worked magic on our venue.

Bride and Groom’s Table | We intentionally requested a
travel-themed touch, since our love for adventure and
discovering new places defines us as a couple.

At the end of the day, it’s all about priorities. To future brides and grooms: don’t pressure yourselves to follow trends or meet everyone else’s expectations. Focus on what truly matters to you as a couple—whether that’s the atmosphere, the people, or the details that reflect your personalities. By making choices that align with your budget and values, you’ll create a day that feels authentic and memorable, and you won’t miss a single meaningful moment.

Note: Our guest list is only about a hundred, including children.

The Proposal Video: Click Here
Our Wedding Video: Click Here

Top Common Wedding Guest Mistakes You Must Avoid

Weddings are joyous occasions, but as a guest, it’s essential to follow a few guidelines to ensure the day goes smoothly for everyone. 

One of our pre-nup photos, shot by
Jim Ubalde & Napoleon Bojor Jr. of Cebu.

Here are some of the most common wedding guest mistakes you’ll want to avoid:

1. Don’t Steal the Spotlight from the Bride

This is her day, not yours. Avoid doing anything that might take attention away from the bride—whether it's wearing an overly eye-catching outfit, being too loud, or causing any unnecessary drama.

2. Dress According to the Theme

Always respect the dress code or theme specified by the couple. If the invitation requests a certain style, color, or formality, do your best to follow it. It’s a simple way to show respect and celebrate alongside them.

Our pre-nup concept is a true reflection of
who we are and what we enjoy together.

3. Don’t Bring an Unannounced Plus-One

Bringing an uninvited guest isn’t just inconsiderate—it can disrupt the couple’s careful planning. Remember, seats, meals, and arrangements are made based on the RSVP list, so only bring a plus-one if it's approved in advance.

4. Avoid the 'Eat and Run'

Weddings are a full celebration, not just a meal. Don’t make a quick exit right after dining—stick around to share in the joy and festivities. Show your support for the couple by being part of the entire event.

5. Read the Invitation Carefully

Every detail on the invitation is there for a reason, so don’t skip over it. Take note of special instructions, dress codes, or specific requests. These details help you understand what’s expected and allow you to participate fully in the couple's big day.

It may not be obvious in this photo, but I absolutely love
our couple shirts that say, “To infinity and beyond.”

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be a considerate and memorable guest, helping to make the wedding day truly special for the couple.

The Proposal Video: Click Here

Our Wedding Video: Click Here

Requirements For Getting Married In A Church

This blog is a step-by-step guide for future brides and grooms on obtaining the requirements for getting married in a church.

Note: It's for Filipino couples who are of legal age to marry.

This photo was taken at Fujikawaguchiko as our engagement shoot. A day
after my long-time partner, now my husband, proposed on January 30, 2024.
Time flies so fast; we got married on September 19, 2024.

Once you and your future husband have decided on your wedding date and the kind of celebration you want, I suggest setting up a meeting with your wedding coordinator (for us, that’s Wedding Prelude Event Planning & Coordination). Make sure to book the church, reception venue, and hotel as early as possible to avoid any last-minute changes.

Requirements Needed

• Baptismal Certificate

• Confirmation Certificate

• Government Marriage License

• Pre-Cana Seminar

• Canonical Interview

• Marriage Banns

At our wedding reception, featuring the band, Momentum Cebu,
along with our unique travel-themed wedding cake.

What is a Pre-Cana Seminar?

Pre-Cana is a marriage preparation course, workshop, or consultation for couples planning to marry in a Catholic church.

• Read my Pre-Cana Blog: Click Here

What is a Pre-Nuptial or Canonical Interview?

This is an interview for couples with the priest in the parish where the wedding ceremony will take place. It is meant to ensure that both parties are freely and willingly entering into the sacrament of marriage.

What are Marriage Banns?

Marriage banns are announcements made in a church or community about a couple's intention to marry. They are typically announced during church services for three weeks leading up to the wedding. This gives the community a chance to know about the marriage and raise any objections if there are legal issues.

Our Wedding Reception: At Casino Español De Cebu 

What are the requirements for obtaining a marriage license?

• PSA Issued Birth Certificates

• CENOMAR or Certificate of No Marriage from PSA  (with receipt, must be issued no more than 90 days prior to the application for a marriage license)

• Barangay Certificate for Marriage (with receipt) 

This is only for Mandaue residents; I'm not sure if it's applicable in your area. You may want to ask for clarification.

• Pre-Marriage Counseling Seminar

For the most part, regarding the Pre-Marriage Counseling Seminar, if any of you (bride and groom-to-be) are nurses, there are some exemptions from the seminar. Isn’t that amazing?

The Proposal Video: Click Here

Our Wedding Video: Click Here

Bridal Suite At Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino

I still can't believe that a week has passed since our wedding, and I couldn't help but share how lucky I feel as a bride. Yes! I'm so lucky to have stayed in the Bridal Suite at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino.

Yours truly at the Bridal Suite at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino.

Thank you so much for this dearest husband ♥

How was the room?

The room was so spacious! It had a living room, dining area, huge bedroom, bathroom with a bathtub, and two toilets (one near the living room and one near the bedroom). There were three televisions—one in the living room, one in the bedroom, and one in front of the bathtub.

The Livingroom

The dining area

The bedroom

Left side area inside the bedroom

An area inside the bedroom and the right bedside table

Shower area and the toilet near the bedroom

Left: Coffee area near the living room

Right: The first sink near the bedroom (as there's
another one in the toilet near the Livingroom).

Where to book online?

• Bridal Suite: Click Here

Book a room at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino

• Klook: Click Here

• Expedia: Click Here

What’s another alternative to booking online?

Just visit the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino and ask the receptionist about booking the Bridal Suite. They’ll direct you to their sales department.

Sharing you all my picture (see the other pictures above) from
NUSTAR Resort’s Bridal & Celebrations Fair.

It’s truly an honor to be a bride with Wedding Prelude Event Planning
& Coordination, and of course, to have photography by Jim Ubalde.

Robe: White Mannequin

Photos taken: In the Bridal Suite at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino.

#BELOVEDFair #NUSTARWeddings #CebuEvents #BridalShow
#CelebrationsofLove #FiliHotel #UniquelyFili #jimubaldephotography
#weddingpreludeeventplanningandcoordination

For the most part, brides have the option of dining at UNO Restaurant or the Ambassador Club Lounge for breakfast. However, in my case, I just had a piece of bread and coffee while enjoying the view outside the room, as I was already dealing with my 'wedding anxiety' at that moment.

Was it worth it?

Yes, definitely! It made me feel like a Disney princess for a day. I’m beyond grateful for this blessing: the gift of love, to be loved, marriage, family, friends, and amazing in-laws.

P.S. I know I’ll look back at this post someday and tell our future kids how lucky their mama was to have such an amazing prince charming (their papa).

Pre-Cana Is More Than Just A Marriage Requirement

As per Wikipedia, Pre-Cana is a marriage preparation course, workshop, or consultation for couples planning to marry in a Catholic church. 

"A wedding is a day. A marriage is a lifetime."
Catholic Engaged Encounter Philippines

Lots of people may think that it's just one of the requirements when you get married in a church with your future spouse (guilty of this hehe yes, because that was what I thought before too).

However, let me emphasize that it's more than just a marriage requirement from the church.. After attending the two-day seminar, at The Archdiocesan Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. I realized many things:

1. It is an assessment of the connection between the two of you as partners. 

Engaged couples may say, we've been together for too long and we know each other already. Hmm, let me tell you this, there are still things that you need to talk about and assess in your relationship be it spiritual aspect, emotional, etc.

2. It is the celebration of your togetherness as a couple.

It is written in the Bible, in John 2:1–12, that Jesus performed the miracle of changing water into wine at a wedding feast in Cana, Galilee.

It is the first miracle that Jesus shows. With this, it simply implies that marriage is sacred and a gift to be cherished.

3. It is a way of inviting God to guide your marriage.

No relationship is perfect, but I believe with God as the center of it, it will work accordingly in his ways. 

4. It is an exposure for couples, as a preparation for married life.

When I say married life, what I mean is a happy married life and a God-centered future family. 

I still have a lot of things to say, but I guess it's good if you experience it firsthand. So, I'm using my platform to encourage all the engaged couples there to have their Pre-Cana at The Archdiocesan Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

     The Archdiocesan Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Trivia: Did you know that Kryz Uy and Slater Young's
church wedding was held here as well? Absolutely, you read that right!

Why at Sacred The Archdiocesan Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus?

• It’s well organized and fun, and at the same time, engaged couples can learn a lot. I guess it’s almost the same as others, yet it feels different in some ways, according to my married friends.

• It's a two-day seminar. Probably you might wonder why, actually it's not enough for all the activities, sharing, and lessons that you will both learn that would enhance your relationship more.

• On the second day of the pre-Cana seminar, there will be a special Mass for the engaged couples, which is the most unique aspect I haven’t encountered elsewhere.

• For the inclusion of your payment: (each couple will have ) Snacks (morning & afternoon), Lunch, Water and Unlimited Coffee (amazing isn't it?)

Are couples who will not be wed at The Archdiocesan Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus welcome?

• Yes, everyone is welcome. 

• Based on our experience, in our group, there are couples who came from outside Cebu, as well as couples who will be wed in other churches in Cebu.

Special thanks to Tita Vilma & Tito Beni ♥

Note: Just a quick fact, Tita Vilma and Tito Beni are the power couple who facilitates the pre-cana seminar in The Archdiocesan Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, also they are the lovely parents of Marco Alcaraz and the parents-in-law of Precious Lara Quigaman.

Thank you so much to the whole team. ♥

(From left to right) It's Tito Dhackie & Tita Maagne, 
Tito Tim & Tita Susan (who came from Manila and traveled
to Cebu to attend April 2024 CEE SHP Cebu),
Tito Beni & Tita Vilma and Fr. Cesar..

                 

This is us (one of our engagement photos).
The future Mr. & Mrs. D at Fujikawaguchiko on our engagement shoot. ♥

"Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." - Mark 10:9